Veteran sports writer Jim Utter covers NASCAR for The Charlotte Observer and its racing site, ThatsRacin.com. In this space, Jim writes about all things NASCAR and other forms of racing which may also be relevant ... or not.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Brad Keselowski won five Sprint Cup Series races in 2012 and the championship but when asked this week how he planned to repeat as champion in 2013, he was adamant that same performance would likely not be good enough.

“Stick to what got you where you are at – hard work, dedication to people,” he said. “Ford is special to us because of their people and their commitment; that’s a key piece. What we did last year is not good enough. We have to step up another level. We know our competition is going to do the same," Keselowski said.

"I’m not happy being a guy that wins one championship and goes away quietly. Look at some of the additions we’ve made. Bringing in Joey Logano, working on the Nationwide program to solidify two programs, having Ryan Blaney be part of that – that shows the commitment we all have to improving.

"I know that Joey and Ryan bring some youth and fresh ideas to make the team better. They might go out there and beat my butt, but I’m going to surround myself with the most talent because that’s what got us where we are today.”

Ryan Blaney will get a chance to race on dirt this season as the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series makes its dirt debut at Eldora Speedway in July.

Ryan's teammate for the race, however, will also be among his toughest competition.

While Ryan will compete in Brad Keselowski Racing's No. 29 Ford the entire season, at least three different drivers will take turns in BKR's second Truck team.

And for the Eldora race, the other driver will be Ryan's dad, Dave - current Sprint Cup series driver and dirt racing legend.

"There was talk about Eldora and my dad said he thought it would be cool if he could run Brad's second truck there. So, I was kind of joking around and told him I would bring it up with Brad," Ryan said.

"I saw Brad the next week or so and brought up my dad running Eldora for him and he loved the idea. Thinking back on it now, it was probably a bad idea for me because he is going to make me look bad.

"It will be fun and a great race. I just hope I don't get lapped by the old man."